Bus fares across Karnataka’s four state-run transport corporations have been raised, with the new rates taking effect from midnight on November 4. Passengers will now face increases of up to Rs 9 on Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) services and up to Rs 10 on Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) city buses.

The fare revision was announced by Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, who attributed the decision to rising diesel prices and the financial challenges faced by the state-run transport corporations. The updated fares will apply to services operated by KSRTC, BMTC, North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

In Bengaluru, the minimum fare for ordinary BMTC buses has increased from Rs 6 to Rs 10, while the maximum fare has risen from Rs 35 to Rs 45. Additionally, the maximum fare for air-conditioned Vajra buses has gone up from Rs 75 to Rs 90. Passengers using BMTC’s Vayu Vajra airport services will also see a fare increase, with the maximum fare rising from Rs 405 to Rs 425.

Reasons Behind the Fare Increase

Minister Suresh defended the fare hike by noting that other states, such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, have also raised their bus fares. He explained that the increase in diesel prices was a significant factor in the revision. The average fare increase is reported to be around 23 per cent for KSRTC services and between 33 and 35 per cent for BMTC services.

The minister emphasised that the primary goal of the fare adjustment was to maintain the financial stability of the transport corporations rather than to generate profit. “Profit is not our motive. We have increased fares to save institutions such as KSRTC and BMTC,” he stated. He added that the fares for premium services, including Rajahamsa and air-conditioned buses, were set after considering competitive market prices.

The adjustments will vary based on the distance travelled and the type of bus service used. For example, on ordinary KSRTC services originating from Bengaluru, fares to Nelamangala and Hoskote have increased from Rs 35 to Rs 44, while the fare to Doddaballapur and Anekal has risen from Rs 38 to Rs 47.

Impact on Key Routes and Services

The fare increase will affect various routes within Bengaluru. A journey from Majestic to Shivajinagar will now cost Rs 18, up from Rs 12. The fare for the Majestic to Yeshwanthpur route has increased from Rs 18 to Rs 25, while the fare to Banashankari has risen from Rs 23 to Rs 35. The fare from Majestic to Attibele has also gone up from Rs 30 to Rs 42.

For air-conditioned Vajra and Vayu Vajra services, the fare from Central Silk Board to Hebbal has increased from Rs 55 to Rs 65, while the journey from KR Puram to Central Silk Board now costs Rs 55 instead of Rs 40. The maximum fare for Vayu Vajra services has been revised from Rs 405 to Rs 425.

Despite the fare hike, the Karnataka government will continue to offer free bus travel to eligible women under its Shakti scheme. This initiative allows women to travel without charge on non-luxury buses operated by the state-run transport corporations. The revised fares will apply to other passengers, with additional charges for tolls, bridge fees, and advance reservations remaining unchanged.

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